Honiton Town launched a new season of home league action with a 2-1 success over Budleigh Salterton.
A stunning goal from Ben Ede, who was stood in his own half when he received the ball from, a goal kick before launching it back over the visiting glovesman and into the net and a clinical finish from teenager Blake Freemantle saw the Hippos to three points in an entertaining midweek East Devon derby at Mountbatten Park.
The Hippos were certainly good value for the win, one that ought now to bring some lacking confidence to the playing ranks.
After the game we spoke with Hippos manager Kev Blackwell and first up asked: “What pleased you most about the win?”
The Town boss replied: “Well in all honesty, and not being flippant, but getting the three points! I had felt it was absolutely key to get our first win under our belts, and in particular get our first three points at home.
“Our home form will be key as our season progress’ so to do that was a great start.”
Next up we asked what, if anything do you want to see improved from what you have been witnessing in the opening games?
He said: “For me, confidence still appears low. We want the lads to play with belief and to trust themselves and each other.
“Also, in some situations, some of the lads need to be a bit more proactive rather than reactive to situations as they present themselves on the pitch. That will all come with good performances and results, but I would still like them to have a bit more faith and trust in their own and each other’s ability.”
Finally we asked how does this win leave you all heading into the Saturday game at Appledore?
Blackwell responded saying: “As I said, three points was absolutely key, that now gives us a base and a platform to build on.
“It is important that we now keep working hard, understand that there is a bigger picture for our season and how we must now kick start our away form.
“The performances have been decent, particularly the Elmore match, but now we must start to turn those performances into points.”
Town are back in Mountbatten Park action next Wednesday (August 29) when they host Axminster Town in another mouth-watering East Devon derby (6.45pm).
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